11th matchday
Augsburg’s Demirovic stops Hoffenheim’s away specialists
Augsburg’s Ermedin Demirovic scored the final score with a shot from a tight angle. photo
© Harry Langer/dpa
A fantastic goal from FCA captain Demirovic is the highlight of the 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim. A firecracker causes a moment of shock and an interruption.
A fantastic solo move from Ermedin Demirovic ensured that FC Augsburg under the new coach Jess Thorup also remained unbeaten against the away specialists TSG Hoffenheim.
The FCA captain’s energetic performance for his sixth goal of the season meant the final score was 1-1 (0-1) in the Bundesliga, first offsetting two opponents in a small space and then flicking the ball from an acute angle from the edge of the penalty area into the far corner (53 .minute).
Demirovic ensures a draw
The Hoffenheim team, who did not leave the pitch as winners for the first time in their sixth away game of the season, had led through Wout Weghorst (23′). Bundesliga newcomer Thorup has already scored eight points in four games as FCA coach. There were almost ten. But attacker Demirovic was denied by substitute Arne Engels’ pass in the 81st minute due to the strong reaction of Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. And Augsburg midfielder Niklas Dorsch missed the shot after a solo run (84′).
A firecracker from the Hoffenheim fan block, which exploded loudly near the corner flag, caused a moment of shock in the second half and an interruption lasting several minutes. The medical service was briefly on duty in the stands behind the goal. It initially remained unclear whether there were any injuries. There was uncertainty for around five minutes. Then referee Felix Brych whistled again. However, the action had an impact and the mood among the 28,260 spectators was temporarily dampened.
The action on the pitch was intense, fast-paced and dogged. Hoffenheim initially left a slightly better impression. The opening goal came from a corner when FCA defended too passively. Weghorst was able to head in a cross from Marius Bülter undisturbed at the second post. The 31-year-old Dutchman scored in the third game in a row.
Augsburg throws everything forward at the end of the game
FCA reacted well to the deficit, but were unable to equalize. When Fredrik Jensen apparently hit opponent Kevin Akpoguma in the arm during a cross in the penalty area, Brych pointed to the penalty spot. According to the video images, which revealed a hit on Akpoguma’s chest, it ended up being a corner kick. The Augsburgers lacked offensive ideas and the necessary power until the half-time whistle.
A major passing error by central defender Felix Uduokhai in the build-up to the game gave Grischa Prömel a great chance to make it 2-0 for Hoffenheim after the restart. But FCA goalkeeper Finn Dahmen parried the shot, which was not placed well enough (50th). That was a turning point in the game. FCA not only scored through Demirovic, but was the dominant team until extra time. But Baumann stood in the way of the second goal.